Two Down...Four to Go!

 Even though I knew what to expect with the actual treatment this time, you still get the unexpected. (Like treatment #2 makes me a seasoned pro?)  First, it was great to have my Dad and step-mom here for the appointment, and for the birthday weekend for our twins.  They are so supportive and genuinely interested in how everything works, so it was wonderful to have them along while our photographer grabbed more shots for an upcoming story.  Dad is 87, but a pretty sharp, funny, and amazing guy...so he stepped up to entertain anyone who stopped by to say hello.
  The chemo room is an open area, with several windowed, open cubicles.  In each, two big recliner-treatment chairs for the patients, and a few extra chairs for folks cheering the patients on.  I met some new members of this ill-begotten club.  Vickie, my neighbor for this round, had been there since 8:30 in the morning.  Tough little cookie had some complications, and was still smiling and cracking jokes with the best of them!  And Nancy and her husband were over in the corner, sharing in the laughs to boost their spirits as they went through their first treatment.  (I hope my fuzzy chemo-brain didn't help me mess up their names!) 
  Dad and Marlys said it was inspiring to see how people light up when they get to share their story with our group.  I feel like I'm the one who benefits, because I absorb the positive energy and strength from every smile!  Like I've said, it is a club you never want to belong to, but once you get there, you meet some incredibly awesome and strong people!  I was praying for a new friend, Jil, going through her first treatment, and my new advisor, Leslie, came by with her husband for a little visit.  I hope that seeing everyone get on with regular life will help others do the same.  I know the chemo knocks some people on their can for quite a while, and I sure feel lucky to not have that kind of effect yet!  I hope those stuck in the more ravaging symptoms will hang in there and know we're all on the same team to beat this!
  This time around, I got my chemo Friday, and the Neulasta shot on Saturday, so if my bones hurt, I would have the weekend to get through it.  I'm assuming that the treatments might compound a little and make the symptoms worse, so I've been expecting more.  Friday we waited...twins birthday dinner from Texas Road House tasted great... no pain... Slept for hours... no pain... Watched my daughter play a few volleyball matches Saturday morning... got the Neulasta shot, and waited more.  No big pain.  Sunday, still no big pain, even went out for another birthday dinner! (Can't believe my twins are now 15 years old!  Best Valentine present ever!)
   Monday 3 am came way too early!  Plus, I took for granted that the wig would be in "ready for air" shape, and it took me a few extra minutes of fussing with it, setting me a few minutes late.  I was also feeling punky and had a little like a post-concert ear-ringing feeling as I got ready, but thought I could shape up and make it through the day.  Fake it 'til you make it, right?  I forgot my vitamins, didn't grab breakfast (so ate a handful of almonds when I got to work) stumbled through the three hour morning newscast, and decided to go home and take a nice, long nap!
   My sweetie, dad and Marlys just let me rest til the kids got home for their birthday dinner.  Turkey meatloaf and spinach salad are my new healthy specialty... then we had my son's late basketball game.  Both kids said it'd be okay with them if I didn't wear a wig, but apparently, I wasn't quite ready.  I think the noisy gym, intensity of the game, and irritation of the wig brought my headache back...but I wouldn't have missed my boy playing for the world!  Woke up glad that I went, and hopeful for another better day back on the right track to recovery!

  HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!  Give extra hugs to those you love EVERY day!!!  And thanks for sharing your stories and questions....we can all help each other a little bit!

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